MLS Disciplinary Committee suspends Bernardez and Joseph, fines Petke

NEW YORK (May 31, 2013) – The MLS Disciplinary Committee has suspended San Jose defender Victor Bernardez two games and fined him an undisclosed amount for violent conduct against FC Dallas forward Kenny Cooper, in the 66th minute of their game on May 25 (VIDEO). Bernardez received a yellow card on the play, and the Committee unanimously determined that the act was egregious, an unequivocal red card, and endangered the safety of his opponent, who suffered a concussion as a result of the foot-to-head contact on the play. Cooper did not continue in the game.

Through the MLS Players Union, Bernardez submitted an appeal, and the Committee’s decision was upheld.

The yellow card issued to Bernardez will not count against his accumulation; he currently has four. Bernardez will serve his suspension Saturday at Real Salt Lake and June 15 at Colorado Rapids.

The Disciplinary Committee also has suspended and fined Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Shalrie Joseph one additional game for violent conduct against LA Galaxy midfielder Marcelo Sarvas, in the 87th minute of their game on May 26 (VIDEO). Joseph received a red card for the foul, and the Committee unanimously determined that the act was egregious, involving contact above the shoulders that endangered the safety of his opponent, and required further sanction. Joseph will serve a total of two games suspension: Saturday at Chivas USA and June 8 at Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

In addition, the Disciplinary Committee has fined New York Red Bulls Head Coach Mike Petke $2,000 for public criticism of the officials following his team’s 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew on May 26.